Annapurna - Tilicho Lake Trek - 19 Days

Trip Highlights

Duration: 19 Days

Type of Trek: Tea house/ Camping

Max Altitude: 3180 m.

Minimum Pax: 1 +

Mode of travel: Land Transportation

Grade: Strenuous

Annapurna Tilicho Lake
trek is undoubtedly one of the world's best trekking routes. A great variety of scenery and culture can be
found in Annapurna
Tilicho Lake
than anywhere else. The route via Tilicho
Lake will require crossing two passes-
Masokanto La (5099m) and Tilicho
Pass (5230m).

Tilicho
Lake situated at 4919 meters, is the
highest lake in the world which offers stunning views of the landscape of Manang
valley and the peaks of Annapurna and Thorong.
Very few tourists trek this trail.

Outline Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Price Info

Gallery

Day 01: Drive from
Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m.) takes almost six hours.

Day 02: Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) takes about six
hours.

Day 03: Trek from
Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours.

Day 04: Trek from
Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours.

Day 05: Trek from
Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half hours.

Day 06: Trek from
Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours.

Day 07: Trek from
Pisang to Manang (3440m.) takes about five and half hours.

Day 08: Rest day at
Manang. This day is for acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La.

Day 12: Trek from
Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2741 m.) via Thimi (2760 m.) which takes about six
hours.

Day 13: Trek from
Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m.) takes about six hours.

Day 14: Trek from
Kalopani to Tatopani (1190 m.) takes about six and half hours.

Day 15: A rest day
at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath.

Day 16: Trek from
Tatopani to Ghorepani (2750m.) takes about six and half hours.

Day 17: Trek from
Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Hille (1475m.) takes about five hours.

Day 18: Trek from
Hille to Nayapul (1050m.) via Birethanti takes almost three hours and drive
from Nayapul to Pokhara which takes about one and half hours.

Day 19: Departure
from Pokhara to India or Kathmandu

Day 01: Drive from
Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m.) takes almost six hours.

You drive along the
Kathmandu-Pokhara highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by
the Marsyangdi River to Besisahar (823m.). Besisahar is the district
headquarters of Lamjung district. From here, you can see some of mountain
peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of
local people.

Day 02:Trek from Besisahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) takes about six
hours.

The first part of the trail passes thorough flat level along the bank of
the Marshyangdi river. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of
Gurung community. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda
which takes about 2 hours. At this point, you can see the area surrounded by
eye-catching scenarios with snow capped mountains.

Day 03: Trek from
Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) takes about six hours.

A steep trail descends for
early half an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces, before
crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and
traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali
gaon. Ahead, the Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape and you follow the
winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful
waterfall above it and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs
steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the
riverbed. Eventually you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.)
situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley.

Day 04: Trek from
Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) takes about six hours.

The first part of
the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you
begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip
would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating
path above the river and at one point where a tributary flows in from the
opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the
water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level,
plain of Tal (1700m.) before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level
area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You
descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and tea houses.
Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in
several areas from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte
(1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the
river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone
khani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the night.

Day 05: Trek from
Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) takes about five and half hours.

As The Marsyangdi
then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive
at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze
around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak,
you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There is a small wooden bridge which takes
you to follow steep ascent path up to Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung
Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are
government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters
for the Manang district.

Day 06: Trek from
Chame to Pisang (3100m.) takes about five hours.

With Lamjung Himal (6893m)
sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. You continue through a
fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank
becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely
steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.). A short climb from the
village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and
follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You
now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from
a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. You can
see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the
north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the
lower village of Pisang.

Day 07: Trek from
Pisang to Manang (3440m.) takes about five and half hours.

Beyond Pisang, the
trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and
Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde (3320m.),
you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises
majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley,
Annapurna IV (7525m.) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross
the considerably reduced flow of the Marsyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to
the tiny village of Mungji. Large chortens and mani walls abound and the tall
peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III,
Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m.) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7145m.). After
a short steep climb you reach Manang. You camp here for the night, amidst the
fluttering prayer flags, which adorn the houses.

Day 08: Rest day at
Manang. This day is for acclimatization before crossing the Thorung La.

You can
either take a walk, such as crossing the river to see the tremendous ice fall
coming down from the Annapurna's or climbing high above the village for a full
panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a
Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an
interesting and educational visit. Moreover you can visit Gangapurna Glacier
Lake to make your rest day a memorable one.

Day 09: Trek from
Manang to Khangsar takes approximately five hours.

The path is gradual descent
and you cross a suspension bridge over Jharsing Khola (stream). You trek
through dry land though you can see shrubs on the both sides. The panoramic
views of Annapurna range completely mesmerize you. Khangsar is a Gurung
village. There you find a small monastery, chorten, mani walls and prayer
flags.

Day 10:Trek from
Khangsar to Tilicho Lake takes about six hours.

The path is covered by small
crystals and shrubs can be seen on both sides. Tilicho Lake is situated at the heights. From here you can enjoy the closer and panoramic views of Tilicho
Mountain and many others.

Day 11:Trek from
Tilicho Lake to Mesokanto Pass (5315m.) takes about seven hours.

The trail is
quite narrow and you trek over icy path. The panoramic views of Annapurna
range, Tilicho, Dhaulagiri along with more than ten mountains completely
mesmerize you.

Day 12:Trek from
Mesokanto Pass to Jomsom (2741 m.) via Thimi (2760 m.) which takes about six
hours.

From Mesokanto Pass, the trail goes steep down to Jomsom. This day you
trek through pine forest. Before you reach Jomsom, you cross Thimi inhabited by
mostly Buddhists.

Day 13:Trek from
Jomsom to Kalopani (2530m.) takes about six hours.

Your trail follows flat
level along the bank of Kali Gandaki river until you reach Kalopani, a Thakali
village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. En route, you find
Larjung which is situated near Dhaulagiri Glacier. The first part of the trek
passes through the windy area covered with pine forests, rhododendron forests
and birches are seen. At Kalopani, you are quite amazed at the panoramic view
of Annapurna I (8091m.), Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) and Tukuche peak (6920m.).

Day 14:Trek from
Kalopani to Tatopani (1190 m.) takes about six and half hours.

While crossing
steeply descent path through forests you reach Ghasa (2010m.), a Thakali
village. The surrounding area of Ghasa is famous destination for bird watching
and wild Marijuana. From here, the trail descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara
(Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to look at as it is the highest waterfall.
Situated here is the deepest gorge of the world between two mountains Annapurna
I (8091m.) and Dhaulagiri I (8167m.) facing each other near Rukse waterfall.
The trail again descends slightly to Tatopani through different human
settlements. You can enjoy the hot spring at Tatopani situated at the bank of
the Kali Gandaki River. It is popularly believed that taking bath in Hot Spring
helps you to get rid of skin diseases.

Day 15:A rest day
at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath.

It is believed that one who
takes bath get rids of skin diseases. After several days trekking, it is a
great idea to take bath at hot spring and relax.

Day 16:Trek from
Tatopani to Ghorepani (2750m.) takes about six and half hours.

Your trail
passes through flat level of the land at some distance. Then the trail begins
ascending steeply for at least one hour. While trekking you cross through the
Kali Gandaki river with panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Now
the trail ascends gently all the way to Ghorepani passing through small
villages like Phalate, Chitre and so on. While trekking you pass through
rhododendron forests and come across the wild life such as monkeys and birds of
various species. Ghorepani (Watering to Horse) is a small pass and the village
of Deorali. Although there is time enough to continue, it is better to stay
here overnight so that you can make the morning trip to Poon Hill (3180m.) for
an outstanding panorama of Dhaulagiri I, II, III, IV, Tukuche peak, Dhampus
peak, Nilgiri ranges, Annapurna I, Baraha Sikhar (Twelve peaks or renowned as
French Fang),Annapurna South, Himchuli, Fishtail and Mardi Himal. The view you
can see from here is probably the best view in the world.

Day 17:Trek from
Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Hille (1475m.) takes about five hours.

Early
morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt.
Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar
(7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III
(7855m.), Machhapuchhre (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.),
Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snow capped mountain peaks. After
breakfast, you again follow gradual descent path through the forests of
rhododendron and oak up to Banthanti. It is a small village where you can stop
for refreshments. Then the trail descends to Ulleri (1960m.), a big Gurung
village from where you can enjoy view of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and
Hiunchuli. From here the trail up to Tirkhedhunga is steeply descent passing
terraces and some villages. After a short walk of 15 minutes from Tirkhedhunga,
you reach Hille.

Day 18:Trek from
Hille to Nayapul (1050m.) via Birethanti takes almost three hours and drive
from Nayapul to Pokhara which takes about one and half hours.

This day’s trek
gradually descends following Bhurung Khola (Bhurung Stream) all the way to
Birethanti before you cross the Modi Khola over the suspension bridge. You are
amazed to pass small villages, see the magnificent waterfalls and walk through
the sparse forests.

Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. For this, it would be better to have your own travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost in case required.)

One farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on last day

Souvenir (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.)

The price does not include:

Personal nature expenses

Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.

Travel insurance

Tips

Lunch & dinner in Pokhara

Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Note: There are different categories of Hotels in Kathmandu ranging from budget to 5 star hotels. We are happy to arrange your hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per your interest and budget. Please inform us in advance about the type or category or price range of hotel that you would like to stay in.